Chapter 40
It really was completely sudden.
“Eh…? To the royal capital?”
“Yes. I want you to come with us as well.”
Leo spoke with a serious expression—there was no hint that he was joking.
“…Understood. I’ll accompany you.”
“Thank you. And I’m truly sorry, but we must depart as soon as possible. We’ll leave for the capital the moment preparations are complete, so please make haste with yours as well.”
“Yes!”
The news had apparently arrived that very morning.
The letter from the castle said that monsters had appeared in the royal capital—and not just one or two, but in large numbers.
The capital already had the Second and Third Knight Orders stationed there.
Even so, the fact that the First Knight Order—the most elite of them all—had been summoned meant the situation was likely dire.
The city of Tori had been peaceful lately.
Still, since a monster nest had been confirmed in the nearby forest, part of the order remained behind while about half the knights—led by Leo, Mirko, and Yoti—set off for the capital.
And they had asked me to come along as well.
“—Sibel…”
“Ms. Elga.”
Though I didn’t have much luggage, the journey to the capital would take several weeks even by carriage. I was packing a few days’ worth of clothes into my trunk when Elga came to my room.
She looked deeply worried.
“It’ll be fine. Leo and the others will be with me.”
“Yes… I know. But—here.”
She held out a small, palm-sized emerald-green stone ornament, beautifully polished.
“This is a charm my grandmother gave me. She said this magic stone carries the blessing of a saint.”
“Oh…”
“So I’m sure it will protect you from danger.”
“…A saint’s blessing…”
The moment I took it from her, my body shuddered.
It felt as though something was welling up from deep inside me—an indescribable power.
This is real, I thought instinctively.
Yet at the same time, the power felt faint, as if it had weakened over time.
“……”
“…Sibel?”
Please… protect everyone.
Before I realized it, I was clutching the stone tightly, my eyes closed, praying.
Even if the prayer of a fake saint like me could only amount to a small comfort…
“Sibel, you—”
“Elga, please keep this stone with you. I hope nothing happens here while Leo and the others are away.”
“…All right.”
Elga stared at me in surprise for a moment, then seemed to come to her senses and accepted the stone back.
By early afternoon, everyone’s preparations were complete, and we departed for the royal capital.
“Sorry for rushing things. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to tell us.”
“Thank you very much.”
In the carriage with me were Leo, Mirko, and Yoti.
As soon as we set off, Leo—sitting beside me—let out a small breath and immediately checked on me.
I was heading toward the royal capital, where monsters had appeared…!
We had to hurry, and I was worried about Annika, Prince Marcus, and all the people there…
But—but!
I was going to spend several weeks on the road with these men!?
Just spending a few hours together in this cramped carriage was already overwhelming… and now weeks!?
By the time we reached the capital, I might not even be breathing anymore…!!
My heart was already racing. At this rate, it was bound to stop sooner or later.
No—this isn’t a trip, Sibel. Don’t enjoy it…!!
“Are you okay, Sibel-chan? Your face is really red… Are you feeling unwell?”
“No—! I’m perfectly fine! Too fine, actually—!”
Yoti, who was sitting diagonally across from me, leaned closer, peering at my face.
I hurriedly put on a smile, desperately trying to show how healthy I was.
“…I see. Well, as long as you’re okay.”
“Yes!”
Several more hours passed as the carriage rolled on.
I seemed to be the only one nervous; as expected of knights, everyone else remained calm and composed.
Even though they were heading into a monster subjugation, they were clearly prepared.
I was worried about the capital—and a little scared—but with them, everything would surely be fine.
They made me feel that way.
“—Sibel-chan. Sibel-chan.”
“…Mm.”
After hours of being rocked by the carriage, I must have fallen asleep from exhaustion.
Leo’s voice came from slightly above me as I slowly lifted my head and opened my eyes.
“We’ve arrived at tonight’s inn.”
“…Yes.”
Leo’s face was very close.
For some reason, his cheeks looked faintly red.
“…………”
“Sibel-chan?”
“Ah—! I’m so sorry! I—!”
My mind snapped fully awake, and I finally realized the situation.
I had fallen asleep leaning against Leo’s shoulder.
This is the worst…!!
“Good morning, Sibel-chan. How was the captain’s shoulder as a pillow?”
“It was very comfortable—! I mean, I’m so sorry! Really, truly sorry!!”
“It’s fine. I don’t mind. I’m glad you were able to get some rest.”
Yoti chuckled as he teased me, and my face was surely bright red.
Using the captain’s shoulder as a pillow…!!
And Mirko and Yoti had seen my sleeping face too…!!
Oh, stupid Sibel! Get a grip!!
Still flustered, I barely noticed as Mirko opened the carriage door.
“Please.”
“…Thank you.”
He offered me his hand as he stepped down first, and I took it as I climbed out.
His strong, dependable grip made my heart skip—but more than that, I couldn’t stop thinking about Leo standing behind me.
Ah… I don’t think I’ll be able to look at him for a while.
That night, we ate at the restaurant attached to the inn, took baths, and went straight to bed.
Tomorrow would be another early morning.
Since I was the only woman, I was given a room to myself. As I lay there replaying the day’s events, I fell asleep with complicated feelings swirling in my chest.
From tomorrow on, I have to be more careful not to make a mistake like that again…!
